The Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration sees over a million wildebeest migrate in a clockwise direction, from the plains of the southern Serengeti in Tanzania, through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, and the Grumeti Reserve to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures and food. The circular journey follows a similar route every year, although precise timings can vary depending on rainfall.

It is the largest overland animal migration in the world and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. The Great Wildebeest Migration is often a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts as these majestic beasts travel for over 800 kms in search of food and water. The migration route is fraught with danger, including making many dramatic river crossings that are filled with Nile crocodiles, with hundreds of thousands perishing as a result of predation by carnivores such as big cats, thirst, hunger, and exhaustion.

If you want to experience one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth, contact our team of Great Wildebeest Migration safari specialists.

Although the Great Wildebeest Migration follows a relatively fixed pattern, the precise timing varies from year to year. Here’s a rough guide to the timings of the great migration:

• January: The first rains in the southern Serengeti plains beckon herds of wildebeest to the Ndutu plains as they move in search of greener grasses.
• February: Over 8,000 wildebeest give birth around the abundant new grass around Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu.
• March: The wildebeest start to head in a clockwise direction towards the northern part of the Serengeti National Park, passing through the Kusini Maswa region.
• April: Around this month, the herds split into large groups, ambling towards the direction of Moru.
• May: The wildebeest calves are now bigger and stronger, enabling the herds of wildebeest to cover greater distances, moving towards Lake Magadi.
• June: By June, the wildebeest herds have spread out further, with some reaching the Mbalageti River, while others still linger around Lake Magadi.
• July: This month is mating season, with the wildebeest herds spending their time in the Grumeti Reserve, along the banks of the Grumeti River, moving north towards the Masai Mara in Kenya.
• August: The wildebeest face their biggest challenge, the crossing of the fast-moving Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, with thousands of animals perishing in the stampede, the rushing waters, or by crocodiles. The Mara River crossing is a sight-to-be-hold and, as such, many privately guided tours jostle for space along the banks of the river to witness the frantic herds in this great wildlife spectacle.
• September & October: Massive herds of wildebeest gather in the vast open plains of the Masai Mara, grazing on the fresh green grass and gathering their strength.
• November: The short rains start, triggering the wildebeest to move once again, leaving the plains of Kenya and heading south to western Loliondo and the Lobo area.
• December: By this month, the herds have moved south once again, and the epic migration starts once again in January, following the same age-old route.

While wildebeest are the main draw, vast herds of other animals also follow this well-trodden migration route in search of good grazing, including zebras and smaller numbers of antelope species, including gazelle, impalas, and eland.

The cost of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration will depend on the time of year, where you witness it, and your desired level of experience. We specialize in luxury safaris, providing a bespoke and highly exclusive way to witness one of the greatest shows on earth. Contact our team to learn more about our Great Wildebeest Migration safari experience.

There are several spots to witness this stunning wildlife spectacle, depending on the time of year and your desired experience, and each phase of the migration offers a unique wildlife experience.

• From December to March, the southern plains of the Serengeti National Park, as well as around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are prime viewing spots. For those wishing to witness the wildebeest calving season, head to Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu in the month of February.
• From April to June, vast herds move northward through the western corridor of the Serengeti. The sheer scale is awe-inspiring, while thrilling river crossings, around May to July, can be seen as the wildebeest and other animals cross the Grumeti River.
• Around August, the herds make the Mara River crossing, one of the most dangerous in the great migration, with the wildebeest and other animals, including zebras, navigating the fast-moving waters filled with crocodiles. This crossing offers some thrilling, action-packed wildlife viewing opportunities.
• The month of November provides a great opportunity to see vast numbers of wildebeest move south in search of greener grass in the southern Serengeti.

There are many experiences to be enjoyed during a Great Wildebeest Migration safari, especially when you book a migration safari experience with a leading luxury travel company like us. Just some of the experiences you can enjoy include:

• Wilderness safaris
• Game drives
• Hot air balloon rides
• Sunset cruise
• River safari

The best way to book a Great Wildebeest Migration safari is to contact a reputable safari specialist, such as us. We have decades of expertise in curating once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences in Africa, including to see the Great Wildebeest Migration. Contact our team today.